Lake Forest School District 67

Why an immersion program?

There has been significant research on the benefits of language immersion to help students attain high levels of second language proficiency. An immersion program is different from the traditional model of 30 to 60 minutes of instruction 3 to 5 days a week where the target language is the subject of instruction. Although there are several models for immersion, District 67 uses a partial immersion model with 50% of the students’ day in the Mandarin-speaking classroom and 50% of their day in the English-speaking classroom. Knowing language acquisition, cognition, and social awareness work together in young students’ development, second language acquisition is most effective when students are immersed in the target language in a meaningful social context. An immersion program is also an effective model for second language acquisition because students are learning the language through the core curriculum. This not only makes classroom instruction more interesting, but also maximizes instructional time with content learning and language acquisition occurring at the same time.

Why are we offering Mandarin language instruction?

Some economists predict that China’s economy will surpass even the United States’ sometime in this decade. Speaking Mandarin will be a valuable asset as China continues to rise in power politically and economically and becomes the largest English-speaking nation. Learning Mandarin also instills an in-depth understanding and appreciation for the Chinese culture. Mastering Mandarin will set our Lake Forest graduates apart for college admission and future career opportunities. The support of parents embracing this language offering not only in the upper grades, but also with an overwhelming response to the newly established kindergarten and first grade immersion program, has been instrumental in developing District 67’s Mandarin program.

When did Lake Forest School District 67 &115 begin offering Mandarin language instruction?

Beginning in the 2008-09 school year Mandarin Chinese was initially offered to about 110 fourth through twelfth graders across five schools. The following year over 220 students enrolled in Mandarin classes from kindergarten through twelfth grade. District 67 introduced the Mandarin immersion program at the beginning of 2011 school year with two classes each of kindergarten and first grade; 100% of our immersion students remain in the program.

Why are we offering a Mandarin immersion program in kindergarten and first grade?

There has been significant research on the benefits of beginning world language instruction in the earliest grades and using an immersion model for instruction. Young children tend to absorb relatively easily any language when they are surrounded by the target language. The earlier a child learns a second language, it is reported the child will most likely attain native-like language proficiency more quickly. Martha G. Abbott, Director of Education for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, states that younger children’s ability to mimic the native pronunciation and intonation of a new language gives them an advantage in a second language acquisition. As younger children’s literacy skills develop in English, there is a natural transfer of these skills to the learning of a second language. Immersion education builds on students' English language skills and American culture. In addition, research has shown positive effects on cognitive development and academic gains by students who have begun acquisition of a second language at an early age.